Herzberg's Two Factor Theory of Motivation
Critical Essay on
"Herzberg's Two Factor Theory of Motivation"
Done by
Syed Imtiaz Hossain
ID: 1210485630
Course: MGT-321 (Organizational Behavior)
Section: 9
Introduction
The classical theories of motivation can be easily criticized for their loopholes but in reality they were the foundation for all the modern theories of motivation. Most of the modern theories of motivation were in fact the combination of the classical theories. Herzberg's two factor theory is considered a heavyweight among the classical theories. In 1959, Frederick Herzberg, a behavioral scientist proposed a two-factor theory or the motivator-hygiene theory. According to Herzberg, there are some job factors that result in satisfaction while there are other job factors that prevent dissatisfaction. The Two Factor Theory has had a considerable amount of practical and as well as theoretical influences. In fact, from a practical perspective, the influence of Herzberg's motivation theory can be seen at every organizational level as well as within every department. From a theoretical perspective, Herzberg's motivation theory can be perceived as having similarities to Maslow's Theory of Need with the exception that for Herzberg's theory, the needs aren't placed in a progressive continuum, rather they are divided into two independent factors. In fact, Herzberg would argue that the opposite of satisfaction is not dissatisfaction since different stimuli are involved in generating each of those emotional states, reinforcing the fact that they are not on the same continuum. As a result, these states must be measured on different scales.
Other than the fact that Herzberg's theory is the foundation for many of today's motivation theories, the reason for choosing the two factor theory for my critical essay is the fact that the theory is supported with considerable empirical data and is included in other research that is supportive of the original hypothesis. It also recognizes the fact that
"Herzberg's Two Factor Theory of Motivation"
Done by
Syed Imtiaz Hossain
ID: 1210485630
Course: MGT-321 (Organizational Behavior)
Section: 9
Introduction
The classical theories of motivation can be easily criticized for their loopholes but in reality they were the foundation for all the modern theories of motivation. Most of the modern theories of motivation were in fact the combination of the classical theories. Herzberg's two factor theory is considered a heavyweight among the classical theories. In 1959, Frederick Herzberg, a behavioral scientist proposed a two-factor theory or the motivator-hygiene theory. According to Herzberg, there are some job factors that result in satisfaction while there are other job factors that prevent dissatisfaction. The Two Factor Theory has had a considerable amount of practical and as well as theoretical influences. In fact, from a practical perspective, the influence of Herzberg's motivation theory can be seen at every organizational level as well as within every department. From a theoretical perspective, Herzberg's motivation theory can be perceived as having similarities to Maslow's Theory of Need with the exception that for Herzberg's theory, the needs aren't placed in a progressive continuum, rather they are divided into two independent factors. In fact, Herzberg would argue that the opposite of satisfaction is not dissatisfaction since different stimuli are involved in generating each of those emotional states, reinforcing the fact that they are not on the same continuum. As a result, these states must be measured on different scales.
Other than the fact that Herzberg's theory is the foundation for many of today's motivation theories, the reason for choosing the two factor theory for my critical essay is the fact that the theory is supported with considerable empirical data and is included in other research that is supportive of the original hypothesis. It also recognizes the fact that